SC basketball: Frank Martin talks Lamont Evans

"While I was not shocked about what was reported, I was shocked by who was part of the report", Martin said at a press conference on Thursday.

What shocked him about the investigation was one name that was listed among those charged - former SC assistant Lamont Evans.

"I got to be ready for that day, and I'm not ready for that day with Lamont right now", he said.

Although the incidents in questions took place while Evans was on Martin's staff at USC, Martin confirms that he nor his basketball program are under investigation.

Martin said he hasn't reached out to Evans or his family since the report surfaced, but he admitted that he was angry after finding out that his former assistant was involved in this scandal.

USC athletics director Ray Tanner released a statement last week that said the school is not being further examined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a revelation that uncovered payments from agents to assistant coaches, who took bribes to ensure that certain players would sign with those agents.

As far as OSU's brand, Boynton said he didn't have time to think about that. "And if they want to take money from a shoe company, an agent, whatever, do it above board, do it the right way". "Obviously, he's someone who had the respect of our players, someone who had worked at this university before". While most of the illicit activities allegedly happened at Oklahoma State, agents first contacted Evans when he was in Columbia.

"They've probably been my greatest sense of relief in the fact that we did have to start practice so quickly afterward", he said.

The university says it has hired a compliance officer to assist in an internal review about complying with the NCAA. Shutt also said Boynton was limited in what he could say because of the ongoing investigation. Evans was sacked from Oklahoma State shortly after he was bonded out of jail. Boynton said he had no reason to feel unsafe about his position, although he understands his reputation has been damaged by his association with Evans.

Boynton had his first media availability of the season on Thursday.

"Distractions come in a lot of different forms", Boynton said. Although Page is still listed as Director of Player Development, Boynton said he will figure out a solution for the spot and do what is best for the team. "I told our team this is a distraction, one that may linger on longer than we'd like, but one that we'll certainly be able to look past". To sum up how he felt, Martin said he was heartbroken.

"That's why I was surprised when I saw Lamont's name, because I do pay attention". He said he hasn't spoken to Evans since his arrest. "I gave him his break in this business, was around him as a non-recruiter, was around him as an assistant coach and I can't tell you that those 48 hours after that news broke weren't good for me".

- Evans joined Martin with the Gamecocks in 2012 after working for him at Kansas State.

That person was Lamont Evans, who was Martin's assistant at SC from 2012 to 2016.

- Evans remained on the Cowboys staff after Underwood left for IL this past March. "Lamont Evans is being investigated".